Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 22-28

DOVER – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Jan. 22-28 made 2,171 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, issuing 38 citations. Officers responded to 47 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. An increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and Michael N. Castle Trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Incidents of note:

On Jan. 22, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers cited Joseph B. Cahall, 40, of New Castle, and Gerald McLaughlin, 29, of Newark, with one count each of hunting on a refuge and prohibited hunting device (bait) following an investigation into illegal waterfowl hunting near Newport. Cahall was additionally charged with one count of possession of unlawfully taken game. Cahall was fined $495, including court costs, and released. McLaughlin was fined $330, including court costs, and released.

On Jan. 23, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Christopher P. Wisler, 37, of West Chester, Pa., for one count of license forgery or misinterpretation and two counts of non-resident possession of game following an investigation into illegal deer hunting and hunting license forgery near Smyrna. Wisler was arraigned at New Castle County Justice of the Peace Court 9, where he plead guilty, was fined $1,001, including court costs and released.

On Jan. 24, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Daniel Picone, 55, of Harrington, for one count of criminal trespass third degree and two counts of wanton waste after an investigation into illegal waterfowl hunting near Harrington. Picone was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7 where he plead guilty, was fined $121, including court costs, and released.

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (2) and criminal trespass third degree (1).

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife recognizes and thanks the majority of anglers, hunters and boaters who comply with and support Delaware’s fishing, hunting and boating laws and regulations. Citizens are encouraged to report fish, wildlife and boating violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 302-739-4580. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030 or online at de.gov/ogt.

Are you AWARE?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police want to remind the public that all state lands, except as otherwise provided in the link below, and state, county and municipal parks in Delaware shall be state game refuges and no person shall hunt these lands and parks or injure any game animal at any time of the year.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 22-28

DOVER – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Jan. 22-28 made 2,171 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, issuing 38 citations. Officers responded to 47 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. An increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and Michael N. Castle Trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Incidents of note:

On Jan. 22, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers cited Joseph B. Cahall, 40, of New Castle, and Gerald McLaughlin, 29, of Newark, with one count each of hunting on a refuge and prohibited hunting device (bait) following an investigation into illegal waterfowl hunting near Newport. Cahall was additionally charged with one count of possession of unlawfully taken game. Cahall was fined $495, including court costs, and released. McLaughlin was fined $330, including court costs, and released.

On Jan. 23, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Christopher P. Wisler, 37, of West Chester, Pa., for one count of license forgery or misinterpretation and two counts of non-resident possession of game following an investigation into illegal deer hunting and hunting license forgery near Smyrna. Wisler was arraigned at New Castle County Justice of the Peace Court 9, where he plead guilty, was fined $1,001, including court costs and released.

On Jan. 24, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Daniel Picone, 55, of Harrington, for one count of criminal trespass third degree and two counts of wanton waste after an investigation into illegal waterfowl hunting near Harrington. Picone was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7 where he plead guilty, was fined $121, including court costs, and released.

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (2) and criminal trespass third degree (1).

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife recognizes and thanks the majority of anglers, hunters and boaters who comply with and support Delaware’s fishing, hunting and boating laws and regulations. Citizens are encouraged to report fish, wildlife and boating violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 302-739-4580. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030 or online at de.gov/ogt.

Are you AWARE?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police want to remind the public that all state lands, except as otherwise provided in the link below, and state, county and municipal parks in Delaware shall be state game refuges and no person shall hunt these lands and parks or injure any game animal at any time of the year.